Russell J. Zimmerman

HOLDEN - Russell J. Zimmerman, 90, formerly of Holden and Grafton, died Tuesday, April 1, 2008 in the Sunbridge Nursing Home, Milford, after an illness.

His wife, Marjorie J. (Carlson) Zimmerman, died in 1991. He leaves his companion and best friend, Lois M. Forsberg, and her children and their spouses; his son, David Zimmerman of Eastham; three grandchildren, Todd, Tim and Lisa; two great-grandchildren; nephews and nieces. Two brothers, Henry A. and Fred W. Zimmerman, and a sister, Lillian V. Zimmerman, predeceased him.

He was born in Auburn, son of John and Eva (Muhilfriedel) Zimmerman, and lived in Holden for 60 years before moving to Grafton. He was a 1935 graduate of South High School in Worcester and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the European African Middle Eastern theatre. He worked for Johnson Steel & Wire Co. in Worcester for many years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Holden and was a very caring, quiet and loving man.

The funeral was April 4 in Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. Burial was in Grove Cemetery, Holden. Memorial donations may be made to Shrewsbury Special Needs Program, c/o Parks & Recreation Department, 100 Maple Avenue, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. (www.milesfuneralhome.com)